28 December 2003

Last Updated: 27/04/04

 

Mum, Tom and I were lucky enough to join in making mochi with the International Club.  Mochi is the infamous "rice cake" made from over cooked and pounded rice.  It is extremely sticky, and doesn't have much taste on it's own.  Mochi is traditionally eaten at New Year in Japan, and comes in many forms.  There are many mochi-related deaths each year, and the only way to dislodge the substance if you're choking is to use a vacuum cleaner! 


We had fun making it, and meeting all the dignitaries that attended, but less fun eating it...!

 

This all took place at the farm where I went to harvest the rice with the International Club back in September.



   
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First the rice is steamed

Japanese rice is naturally sticky, 

and when it's overcooked it becomes

extremely sticky!

 

Pounding the rice 

We're shown how it's done

The person holding the mallet pounds at the rice

and the woman folds it over and adds hot water

- wouldn't like to have her job!

 

   
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Yuuki has a go

 

Tom has a go

   

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I have a go

 

Ace has a go

   

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The end product (with grated daikon)

 

Mum and I greatly enjoying mochi

  

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Although it looks as though Tom 

really is

 

Mum looks skeptical 

   

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Important people commence the opening

ceremony

Dignitaries included the Mayor, the Governor and

members of the upper house of the Diet, amongst others

 

Group photo

- can you spot us?!

   
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Fun and games after the event with Yuuki and 

Atsuko


 

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